Hopkins County history surrounds forests
Texas celebrated its own arbor day Nov. 6, and the Texas Forest Service encourages cities across Texas to become more involved in what it calls urban and community forestry.
November is the perfect time to plant trees in Texas, according to the organization, and recently enumerated by local AgriLife representative Mario Villarino. According to Villarino and the forest service, winter in Texas is often a time of ample rainfall, resulting in less tree stress.
However, it’s not just rural locations that should think about planting trees, the forest service said.
Trees can be planted in cities for energy efficiency. Trees can provide shade for buildings from the morning sun and can help block winter winds. Even small trees can provide energy-saving shade to windows or air conditioning units, the forest service notes.
Under the leadership of the Texas Forestry Association, Texas first observed Arbor Day in 1889, celebrating the benefits that trees provide over a lifetime. Today, the Texas State Arbor Day is sponsored by Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
“Conservation education is vital to ensuring people of all ages understand and appreciate why natural resources like trees, water and animals are important and how to conserve them for future generations,” the forest service said.
Texas Arbor Day highlights the connection between trees, forests and people, and ties them into our deep Texas heritage. Traditions are about maintaining information, behaviors and customs handed down through generations.
Texas Arbor Day en courages individuals, families and communities to establish some activities with the trees around them and pass those activities to family, friends and future generations.
Hopkins County itself has a strong connection with trees, as many of its communities are founded at groves and woodlands. For example, Black Jack Grove (Cumby), Black Oak, East Caney, Miller Grove, White Oak, Arbala and more are a few of the communities where settlers first put down roots near established tree growth.
Sharing Hopkins County history surrounding trees presents a tremendous opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about stewardship of our natural resources and caring for our environment. There is no more powerful demonstration than helping children plant and care for trees that their own children and grandchildren will enjoy, the Texas Forest Service says.
Visit tamu.edu/arborday to find fun activities about planting trees and more.